By Stéphanie Lecerf

Hôtel Mont-Tremblant, a veritable institution located in the Old Village on Lac Mercier, was built in 1902 to provide lodging for employees of the Standard Chemical Factory, located at that time on the rue du Couvent. It was not until 1926 that the hotel accommodated its first tourists – skiers coming to ski Gray Rocks – who were joined in 1939 by those wanting to try Mont Tremblant.

Over the years, Hôtel Mont-Tremblant became a gathering place for those living in the Village sector, and it remains so to this day. Many regulars come at the end of their work day or to watch, in what can be an electric ambience, hockey or Super Bowl games. The tradition of mussels nights or Saint Patrick’s Day festivities continues, as well, and these soirees are absolute musts for locals.

Also over the years, various owners followed one another with greater or lesser success, and we will certainly remember the Associés Dubois-Hotte-Gratton-Valiquette (from 1975 to1999), the Irish couple Inès and Malachi O’Connor (from 2008 to 2010), who gave the bar-restaurant its pub identity, and lastly, Philippe Laudat (from 1999 to 2008 and from 2010 to 2017).

Ensuring a future for this historic spot

Marie-Josée Labbé fell under the spell of the hotel and its 115 years of history and now represents the new guard. She had wanted to own a hotel since girlhood and, inspired by her entrepreneurial parents, the young mother fell hard for the village and its residents. It was also the loyalty of local customers and the way they watched over her every day that motivated her to bring her projects to fruition.

The employees, who contribute day after day to the establishment’s success through their warm welcome to guests and their professional service, also remain steadfast. As a result, the adventure can continue. But it’s tough. While the two are complementary, Marie-Josée heads two establishments at once: Hôtel Mont-Tremblant and the Resto-Pub Au Coin.

The hotel side

With good Montreal hotel and F1 event experience under her belt, Marie-Josée’s goal is to host an increasing number of events and make the hotel the point of reference for three-star hotels. She says, incidentally, that she’s excited to be hosting the McLaren Rally on June 6. She also wants to restore the historic aspect of the building while providing the comfort that guests expect. As a result, she expects to continue the program of bedroom renovations, begun in 2016, in spring 2019.

Resto-Pub

On the Resto-Pub side, it doesn’t appear that there will be major changes. Perhaps a progressive, discreet updating of the dining room and other reception rooms. A few small touches to the menus, some new cocktails and a few new wines. In other words, things that will refresh the offering somewhat while retaining the authenticity of the cozy pub where everyone feels so at home.

One day at a time

Like many entrepreneurs, Marie-Josée feels the weight of a lack of numbers of employees. Absorbed by the operational reality, it’s hard for her to find the time to go meet eventual immigrant staff. What she’s doing instead is moving ahead more slowly, “One day at a time”, encouraged and supported by a spouse who is very engaged in the organization of their family life. Mother of a fine girl of eight and an energetic boy of seven, Marie-Josée hopes, through this adventure, to give her children a taste for following their dreams. In conclusion, let’s just note that in 2022, this wonderful institution will celebrate its 120th birthday. It’s a date!